Round of Three - February 13

Last time, Kristy Swanson & Lloyd Eisler tied with Jillian Barberie & John Zimmerman, leaving Dave Coulier & Nancy Kerrigan and Bruce Jenner & Tai Babilonia to fight to stay in the game. In the end, Bruce & Tai beat out Dave & Nancy, leaving them out in the cold. But who'll be frozen tonight?

Tonight's elimination is a bit different. First, the team with the highest score advances directly to the finale. The other two teams will compete in a skate-off, one team skating to the first half of a song, the other, to the second half. The judges will decide which team will go join the leader.

Slate is wiped, as each pair must master a new and more difficult technique. Tonight, each pair must incorporate a one-footed edge glide as well as a side-by-side jump of half a turn and a spin of at least three revs. Tonight's skaters will be skating to a song the judges chose for them.

First up, Jillian & John. Last time, they were tied for the lead, but this week, the compete with an even more daunting task... their schedules. Or, at least... HER schedule. Add that to Jillian's injuries and you'd think that they wouldn't stand a chance. The judges choose "Semi-Charmed Life" by Third Eye Blind. To the judges... Mark says that they were hot last week, but he was only "semi-charmed" this week. "The opening spin was the same spin you did in your last performance." Not bad, but variety needed. Dorothy thought it was very ambitious, saying that they improved so much. Sir John called it a "choreographic gem... HOWEVER, I've seen your competitors in the past. You had wonderful potential, but maybe you'll get that far."

TECHNICAL
Nicks: 9.1
Hamill: 9.3
Lund: 9.2
TOTAL: 27.6

ARTISTIC
Nicks: 9.3
Hamill: 9.3
Lund: 9.2
TOTAL: 27.8

Their total: 55.4 out of 60. It looks like Jillian & John just might make it to the finals. Just to watch and wait. Bruce & Tai already beat father time and time again, but they came deathly close to going home last time... The pressure to perform is greater than ever. They want to see more power and more speed from the oldest couple in the contest. Their judges' choice: "Summer of '69" by Bryan Adams. Sir John thought that Bruce was a bit more secure, but they have to start working as a pair. Mark liked the tempo and speed, but didn't like the lack of choreography. He's looking forward to seeing their signature death spiral. Dorothy says that the two do middle-age America justice.

TECHNICAL
Nicks: 8.9
Hamill: 9.2
Lund: 9.0
TOTAL: 27.1

ARTISTIC
Nicks: 9.0
Hamill: 9.2
Lund: 9.1
TOTAL: 27.3

Their total: 54.4. We have our first team for our skate-off. We'll see them again. But what about former-perfect-strangers Kristy & Lloyd, as they were nearly flawless last show. The two are now in sync with each other. Will they be able to ride that big-brother-little-sister mentality to the finish? We're still waiting for two strong performances in a row. They skate to "I'll Be" by someone doing a pretty darn good Edwin McCain impersonation. Dorothy said it was "hot, sexy, and seamless". Mark calls them "wonderful." Sir John is impressed by the obtuse spiral, but Lloyd was a bit mired...

TECHNICAL
Nicks: 9.5
Hamill: 9.5
Lund: 9.8
TOTAL: 28.8

ARTISTIC
Nicks: 9.8
Hamill: 9.6
Lund: 9.8
TOTAL: 29.2

Grand total: 58.0. It's official, Kristy & Lloyd will skate for a championship! And Kristy is taking her skates off with the highest score EVER. So they rest for the rest of the night... Let's see who'll they skate against...

Each team will have one last chance, as the judges take into account both programs. The song: "Walkin' on The Sun" by Smash Mouth.

First, Jillian & John...

Then, Bruce & Tai... with a bit safer program... Death spiral! Never mind... Will it be enough? Judges? Mark likes Jillian & John's footwork, but they need to connect more. Sir John calls Jillian & John the best, and Bruce & Tai the sentimental favorite, HOWEVER sentimentality doesn't affect him one bit. Dorothy said both couples were the best she's seen them.

So who makes it to the final to skate against Kristy & Lloyd?

It is... JILLIAN & JOHN! Bruce & Tai thank Randy Gartner, their choreographer... Scott couldn't be prouder.

So next week, Jillian & John against Kristy & Lloyd for a championship... Who'll be the first Skating with Celebrities winner? Find out next time as we plow ever onward in our quest... for a champion!